PETER DONALD QUESNEL

MIDDLEBURY — Peter Donald Quesnel, a native and resident of Middlebury, Vt., passed away on Jan. 13, 2024, at the age of 81.

Pete attended Middlebury Union High school, where he played football, golf and downhill skied. He graduated in 1960 and then attended Vermont Technical College to study electrical engineering. He was drawn back to the farm and went into business with his father to build Aurele Quesnel and Son, a successful dairy farm where he worked and ran the business for more than three decades.

During this time, he built his family’s home in Middlebury, where his children grew up. He later moved into a career with Benoit Electric and became a master electrician, working throughout the state and retired after 30 years at the age of 80. He considered Benoit his second home and family and was a respected member of their team.

After his time at Middlebury Union High School, Pete continued to support the school as a school board member and was active in many community events.

His recent hobbies included rebuilding antique tractors and talking about getting back on the golf course. There wasn’t anything that Pete couldn’t fix and there wasn’t anyone he wouldn’t help. He enjoyed travelling with his partner, Nancy, and was recently able to see the Bahamas, Las Vegas and Hawaii. He enjoyed watching all sports in Middlebury, from his children to most recently his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, Marc Quesnel, Pamela Quesnel Stevens, and Eric Quesnel; sister, Maryann Highter (Ronald); grandchildren, Luke, Elizabeth and Mara; partner, Nancy Ryan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Aurele Quesnel and Ruth Dorey Quesnel; his brother, Gerald Quesnel; and his previous wife, Mary Smith.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Middlebury at 10 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Brandon Schneider. Interment will be in the church cemetery. A reception will follow the Mass.

Arrangements under the direction of Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home.

Online condolences at: www.sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊